1H70. 


Knteiiiiiso  Print,  ..ri'.iii,j:lon,  X.  .f. 


X  r  ' 


1970. 

OF 

i 

1 

t 

4&t 

1 

JO  HA'  COLLTJX'S. 

1 

1 

1 

BTJI^IJTITC3-T02^^,     3^.     J". 

i 

j 

1R70. 

] 

Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2010  with  funding  from 
Duke  University  Libraries 


http://www.archive.org/details/1970visionofcomi00coll 


as 


WAS  musing  alone  one  hot  afternoon, 
In  tlie  shade  of  a  vine  on  a  bright  day  in  .Fiine  ; 
Not  a  sound  in  the  air  but  the  hum  of  the  bees, 
Nor  a  zephyr  to  sway  the  tops  of  the  trees  ; 
The  cricket  seemed  tired  of  the  shrill  noise  he  made. 
The  butterfly  folded  his  wings  in  the  shade. 
The  flowers,  so  fragrant  when  day  had  begun, 
No  longer  breathed  perfume  before  the  fierce  sun  : 
O'er  nature  a  dull  sleepy  silence  had  grown, 
And  even  the  clouds  seemed  moveless  as  stone. 

Reclined  in  a  chair,  with  my  face  towards  the  sky. 
The  tall  posts  of  the  telegraph  thought-road  near  by, 
I  fancied  I  heard  every  word  sent  along. 
The  short  business  message — the  tale  of  some  wrong. 
An  accident,  not  on  the  Jersey  railway, 
The  prices  of  stocks —events  of  the  day, 
The  lover's  popped  question,  brief,  pithy  and  sweet, 
The  assent  of  his  charmer,  his  wishes  to  meet, 
A  summons  to  haste  to  the  bed  of  a  friend, 
Whose  life's  flickering  taper  drew  near  to  its  end. 
An  invite  to  a  wedding,  a  lecture  or  ball, 
A  county  convention — a  lyceuin  hall  ; 
Like  leaves  by  the  wild  winter  wind  swept  along. 
They  came  and  they  passed  in  a  vast  countless  thnmg, 
And  I  watched  and  I  iistene<l  with  eager  desire 
To  find  out  what  passed  through  the  quick  thrilling  wire. 
The  date  T  was  sure  of" — ai^ain  and  ao-iiii, 


It  was  "nineteen  hundred  and  threescore  and  ten." 

Came  the  first  to  a  merchant  of  rank  in  Japan. 
Saying  "Forward  those  teas  as  soon  as  you  can." 
In  two  minutes  returned,  "I  will  do  as  you  say, 
But  send  me  the  Bibles  you  promised  today." 
"Buy  for  me,"  said  a  lady  in  Boston,  in  haste, 
To  a  dear  Cuban  friend,  "(I  trust  to  your  taste)  ; 
A  barrel  of  oranges,  fresh  from  the  tree, 
A  dozen  pine-apples,  the  fairest  you  see, 
Two  bunches  of  large,  ripe  bananas — a  cask 
Of  the  best  of  preserves — 'tis  all  that  I  ask. 
And  a  few  limes  or  lemons — smooth,  juicy  and  bright, 
In  time  to  prepare  for  my  parly  to-night." 
In  halt  an  hour  came,  propelled  through  the  air. 
The  fruits  and  the  sweets  packed  with  exquisite  care. 
And  the  fair  one,  delighted,  sent  word  to  each  friend 
Par  or  near,  a  long  sociable  evening  to  spend. 
Methought  that  they  came  by  balloon  or  by  rail. 
By  the  pneumatic  tube,  by  steam  or  by  sail, 
At  the  rate  of  a  thousand  of  miles  in  a  day, 
To  the  hub  of  New  England  hurrying  away. 
^The  next  bit  of  news  my  very  soul  stirred, 
''  'Twas  the  greatest  explosion  that  ever  was  heard  : 
An  engine  blew  up,  attached  to  a  train 
Of  a  hundred  full  cars  on  the  Omaha  plain — 
To  atoms  it  Hew,  but  no  one  was  hurt, 
Only  some  of  the  passengers  covered  with  dirt. 
The  fireman  was  tbund  half  a  mile  from  the  spot, 
Safely  lodged  in  a  village  whose  name  I've  forgot. 
While  the  engineer's  body  was  plunged  in  the  sand 
Hid  entirely  from  sight  save  a  part  of  one  hand. 
Both  were  strucl?  with  amaze  at  the  quick  change  of  l)ase, 
But  the  sole  damage  done,  was  a  scratch  on  each  face. 
The  reason  was  clear — their  lives  were  insured 
And  their  limbs  and  their  senses  forever  secured 
By  a  policy  made  with  the  greatest  reliance 
In  the  "Fearless  Assurance  and  Perpetual  Defiance." 
The  next  sound  arresting  my  listening  ear, 
Was  so  soft  and  so  musical,  gentle  and  clear, 
I  knew  it  was  sent  by  a  company  famed. 


(The  Harmonic  Acoustic  Tube  Union,  named,) 

To  a  tlozen  perfoi-mers,  each  one  at  his  home. 

In  London,  Pekin,  Paris,  Athens  and  Rome, 

To  jj-ive  in  New  York,  at  mass  concerts  free, 

Oratorios  by  telegraph  under  the  sea. 

'I'hen  was  heard  such  a  hum  from  the  minorled  replies, 

I  could  hear  nothing  more,  but,  trusting  my  eyes. 

Looked  around  as  I  strolled  along  each  crowded  street. 

Some  items  to  learn  or  acquaintance  to  meet. 

The  houses  looked  strange  as  if  turned  all  to  stone, 
With  huge  gaudy  creepers  and  ivy  o"ergrown. 
Whether  brick,  wood  or  plaster,  no  signs  of  decay 
Could  be  seen,  though  an  age  had  no  doubt  rolled  away 
Since  each  cornerstone  was  laid  deep  and  fast 
By  the  wise  master  builder,  all  time  to  outlast. 
'Twas  a  certain  tried  method,  not  patent,  for  all 
Enjoyed,  free  from  tax,  what  inventions  we  call. 
A  liquid  cement  was  poured  on  each  place. 
That  hardened  in  time  to  a  smooth  flinty  face. 
No  wear  could  affect  it — hot,  cold,  wet  or  dry, 
It  was  always  the  same  to  the  touch  and  the  eye. 
"Here's  a  hint"  I  exclaimed,  "to  the  men  of  our  day. 
Whose  work  is  so  apt  to  break  or  decay." 
"We  are  all  honest,  friend  !'"  said  some  one  quite  near, 
^^lur  remark  shows  how  little  you  know  of  us  here.'' 
I  iurned  to  reply,  but  no  one  was  in  sight, 
When  1  saw  with  surprise  and  indeed  with  delight. 
That  a  double-track  railway,  as  smooth  as  a  floor,  . 
Had  been  thoroughly  laid,  a  few  years  before. 
A  train  was  approaching — no  whistle  was  heard 
In  loud  screeching  tones  to  drown  every  word. 
But,  soft  as  the  evening  wind  wafted  along. 
Rung  out  the  soft  notes  of  that  sweet  Sabbath  song. 
"'There's  a  hapi)y  land,  far  away,  far  away  !'" 
"Till  I  thought  they  foretold  a  millenial  day. 
J  wondered  to  see  cars  go    noiselessly  by, 
When  the  rubber-tired  wheels  arrested  my  eye, 
While  each  one  inside  looked  calm  and  composed. 
As  they  talked  or  they  wrote,  reflected  or  dozed, 
And  no  thought  of  danger  produced  any  dread. 


For  a  tall  thin  Director  walked  quickly  ahead. 

Ill  less  than  a  miiuile  the  cars  disappeared, 

And  1  judged,  on  that  line  no  collision  was  feared., 

lUini)iing  on,  as  before,  along  the  wide  street, 
A  smooth  wooden  pavement  tempting  the  feet. 
Some  boys  stopped  to  jjreet  me  in  passing  to  school, 
"Twas  the  custom  of  all,  not  enforced  by  a  rule. 
"Can  yon  tell  me,  my  children,"  1  asked,  with  a  smile, 
Where  to  find  the  hotel,  to  tarry  awhile  ?" 
"My  dear  sir,"  replied  one  with  a  bright,  thoughlful  face, 
"[  never  have  seen  in  ray  lite  such  a  place. 
The  word  sometimes  is  read  on  history's  page. 
Rut  no  buildings  so  called,  exist  in  this  age. 
All  houses  are  open  to  strangers  who  lind 
A  home  and  warm  friends  if  to  stay  they're  inclined." 
"Then  show  me,  1  pray,  Dr.  Cure-em  all's  room." 
"He  died  long  ago — none  can  point  out  his  tomb." 
No  sickness  is  known  here — diseases  nor  pains— 
But  pure  blood  is  bounding  in  even  old  veins."' 
In  doubt,  1  enquired,  "Where  is  now  Lawyer  (irip  ?" 
"Oh  !  he  gave,  as  they  say,  all  his  clients  the  slip  ; 
Some  affirm  that  he  went  over  seas — others  think 
That  he  drowned  his  senses,  and  life  too,  in  drink. 
Here  his  sign  you  may  see,  though  the  letters  are  pale, 
With  the  emblem  beneath,  a  fox's  long  tail. 
Happy  years  to  you,  sir  !   to  school  we  must  haste 
Xor  longer  the  precious,  short  study-hours  waste." 

They  ran  on  in  glee  and  left  me  alone. 
Still  in  quest  of  the  tavern  that  once  I  had  known. 
At  last  it  appeared,  but  such  a  great  change 
Had  been  made,  that  it  looked  surprisingly  strange. 
The  low  dirtv  room,  dark  with  stains  and  with  smuke. 
Where  revelry  oft   midnight  sleepers  awoke. 
The  scene  of  mad  riot  and  murderous  strife. 
With  blasphemy  vile  and  obscenity  rife. 
Was  now  the  clean  entrance  that  led  to  a  hall, 
Not  built,  as  with  us,  for  one  sect,  but  for  all. 
Where  the  rich  and  the  poor,  a  true  Christian  band. 
In  loving  communion  as  brothers  might  stand. 
To  unite  in  thanksgiving,  with  hearts  in  accord, 


To  the  same  risen  Saviour — one  Father  and  Lord. 
Night  and  day  tones  of  prayer  and  praise  filled  the  air 
'Till  the  Spirit's  blest  presence  seeuaed  hoverincr  there; 
No  priest,  man  ordained,  cried,  "Know,  brolher,the  Lord  !" 
Our  Hjorh  Priest  and  Minister  gave  the  sure  word, 
While  o'erhead,  wreathed  with  clouds,  in  letters  of  light, 
Shone  the  words,  "Be  ye  holy  and  clean  in  my  sight, 
For  the  pure  In  heart  only  my  face  shall  behold. 
And  forever  dwell  safe  in  the  heavenly  fold." 

How  long  In  that  temple  divine  was  my  stay, 
I  never  have  known,  as  no  words  can  convey. 
The  sense  of  the  bliss,  and  ecstacy  felt 
Li  my  spirit,  unconscious  of  all  as  I  knelt, 
Save  the  heavenly  gift  of  Infinite  Love 
Descending  on  all  from  the  Father  above. 
With  one  fervent  prayer  for  His  grace  to  sustain 
And  guide  me,  my  steps  were  turned  earthward  again. 

Some  ruins  near  by,  I  found  to  disclose 
The  spot  where  In  old  time  a  theatre  rose, 
In  one  day  by  spmitaneous  combustion  destroyed, 
While  the  place  where  it  stood  was  a  huge  gaping  void. 
Men  were  clearing  the  rubbish  and  cinders  away. 
Odd  relics  of  former  years  bringing  to  day  ; 
Two  masks  that  still  seemed  to  be  making  grimaces. 
Supposed  to  be  dried  skins  of  two  actors'  faces  ; 
'i'hen  a  long  rusted  steel,  whose  use  none  could  divine, 
In  a  scarlet  robe  wrapped,  with  one  blazoned  line 
Inscribed  thereupon — 'twas  the  name  of  a  play, 
And  the  legible  words  were,  "The  Devil's  Birthday."' 
A  hemlet  of  copper,  with  vizor  of  brass 
Was  seen  melted  down,  in  a  black,  confused  mass, 
With  beads,  trinkets,  buttons  and  jewelry  rare, 
To  allure  the  gay  worldling  or  deck  the  frail  fair. 
"How  sad  !"'  said  a  voice,  "they  could  ever  bestow 
Time  and  thought  on  such  follies  a  century  ago! 
But  soon  shall  we  raise  on  this  desolate  site, 
A  house  sacred  to  truth,  to  knowledge  and  right. 
Whence  millions  of  Bibles  shall  issue,  to  bless 
Distant  nations  still  hungering  for  righteousness." 

Musing  deeplv  on  all  T  had  seen  and  had  heard. 


01  the  wondrous  changes  I  said  not  a  word, 
But  slowly  went  on,  of  adventures  in  quest. 
In  a  spot  with  such  peace  and  prosperity  blesl. 
Each  face,  young  and  old,  with  intelligence  beamed  ; 
Every  eye  with  love  and  with  sympathy  gleamed  ; 
Xo  discord  was  known — no  unrestrained  tongue 
Gave  utterance  to  words  of  slander  or  wrong  ; 
Such  a  sense  of  true  happiness  filled  all  the  air, 
It  seemed  more  than  the  spirit  of  mortal  could  Kear  ; 
And  the  heavenly  anthem  re-echoed  again, 
"To  God  all  the  glory  and  good  will  to  men  !'" 

Pure  fountains  of  water  unceasingly  flowed, 
Till  all  nature  with  health  and  with  hapjiiness  glowed  : 
On  every  side,  in  lontj  colonnade. 

Pines,  cedars  and  palms,  threw  their  deep  cooling  shade 
On  seats,  for  the  tired,  heated  travellers  made  : 
While  the  thick  hough*?  above  were  filled  with  a  throng 
Of  birds  of  gay  plumage  and  exquisite  song. 
Unsuspicious  of  man,  for  his  nature  was  changed 
And  his  love  for  all  beings,  no  longer  estranged. 
They  lived  and  they  loved  the  green  alcoves  among, 
Or  reared,  year  by  year,  unmolested,  their  young. 

Wrong,  crime  and  deceit  existed  no  more  ; 
All  houses  werd  open — unguarded  each  door: 
No  bolts  and  no  bars  told  of  robbers  by  night, 
No  high  prison  walls  offended  the  sight, 
Stores  of  merchandi.se  lay  exposed  to  full  view, 
For  at  last  men  were  found  to  be  honest  and  true. 
None  was  tempted  one  moment  his  neighbor  to  cheat, 
Xo  deception  was  practiced  in  house  or  on  street, 
But  one  price  was  asked  for  each  article  .sold. 
And  the  sole  money  used  was  silver  and  gold. 
None  knew  what  a  panic  in  currency  mi^ant, 
A  run  upon  banks  or  a  gain  cent  per  cent  ; 
Stock  gamblers  on  change  no  longer  wore  seen, 

''Bulls"  and  "Bears,"'  were  strange  names  that  once  might  have  been. 
Of  palaces  built  by  legalized  theft 
Or  foul  speculation,  no  vestige  was  left. 
Fraud  in  buying  or  selling  was  wholly  unknown  ; 
T/ight  weight  and  short  measure  had  obsolete  grown  ; 


Heapefl  hio;li  and  pressed  down  and  still  lunuin;;-  over 
Was  the  sole  rnle  and  practice  that  I  could  discover, 
And,  as  no  lon^  accounts  were  kept  day  after  day, 
No  bankrupts  were  heard  of — no  failures  to  ppy. 

It  seemed  as  if  flying  through  vast  unknown  space, 
At  last  I  had  reached  some  wonderful  place, 
Where  sin  had  not  entered  to  blast  and  defile  '      i^l*^ 

Scenes  blest  at  creation  by  Deity's  smile.  ^-,  ^**' 

Unlike  our  own  earth,  since  the  dawning  of  Time,  ■'    '^gd 

Despoiled  bv  oppression  or  blackened  by  crime, 
liainbling  on  in  this  deep  contemplative  mood. 
Before  a  vast  pile  I  instinctively  stood  ; 
High  in  air  rose  a  dome  on  which  glittered  a  star, 
Like  a  lonely  night  beacon  to  wanderers  afar, 
And  on  it,  in  lines  Dure  as  heaven's  own  blue, 
"The  old  is  new  past  and  all  things  are  new." 
I  entered — strange  forms  arrested  the  eye, 
01"  human  inventions  in  ages  gone  by  : 
Tools  for  use — toys  for  j)leasure — weapons  of  war, 
Idols,  altars  and  priestly  shrines  worshipped  no  more  ; 
Here  was  seen  the  rude  ponderous  Chaldean  plow, 
With  the  crown  that  adorned  Melchizedek's  brow, 
The  first  harp  that  was  made  by  old  Tubal  Cain, 
An  image  of  Bel  from  a  Syrian  plain. 
The  chariot  of  Pharoah,  by  Miriam  sung. 
For  ages  of  silence  with  Red  sea-weed  hung. 
Now  placed  on  the  threshold  of  Dagon's  black  shrine 
Where  i'ell  the  foul  god,  smit  by  vengeance  divine  ; 
Huge  engines  found  buried  in  Egypt's  deep  sand. 
No  doubt,  by  the  builders  of  pyramids  planned, 
Jewish  hammers  once  used  on  the  mountains  of  Tyre, 
Persian  censers  where  glowed  perpetual  fire. 
Pagodas  from  China,  of  porcelain  rare, 
(lilt,  silvered  and  papered  with  exquisite  care, 
And  the  image  of  gold  on  Dura's  vast  plain 
Where  the  furnace  of  fire  was  thrice  heated  in  vain. 

Here,  lay  the  light  frame  of  an  Indian  canoe, 
There,  a  s([uare  Roman  gallery  attiacted  the  view. 
All  these  and  a  thousand  more  relics  of  old, 
III  its  measureless  rooms  did  the  edifice  hold. 


But,  f;rpat,er  by  (iir,  bolli  in  number  and  cost. 
Of  murderous  implements  grim  war  could  boiisl, 
'i'o  cut,  milim  and  mingle  the  fair  human  (briu 
In  private  revenge  or  in  battle's  wild  storm. 

In  another  huge  hall  lay  the  rough  knotty  lirand, 
Still  stained  as  it  dropped  from  Cain's  murderous  hand; 
The  spears  and  the  swords  of  nations  of  yore. 
]*]re  the  deluge  a  vile  generation  swept  o'er. 
Here  stood  the  old  chariots,  each  wheel  with  a  scythe, 
Beneath  which  men  prostrate  in  anguish  would  writhe, 
'I'here,  ranged  as  in  former  stern  battle  array 
Shone  the  armor  of  brass  used  in  Rome's  warlike  day, 
Helmets,  spears,  shields,  javelins,  pikes,  swords  and  slings 
And  the  banners,  surmounted  by  eagles'  broad  win^s. 
The  crossbows  of  England  and  rude  cnlverin 
Side  by  side  with  the  Fijean  war-club  were  wt'n. 
The  battle-axe,  sleeped  in  Mohammedan  gore, 
Tiie  Indian  tomahawk — Scottish  claymore 
And  the  rude  scalping  knife  of  the  savage  there  lay 
With  the  civilized  bayonet  rusting  away. 
Cruns.  pistols,  revolvers,  mortars,  cannon  and  bombs 
Were  placed  in  the  riiidst  of  gongs  and  of  drums. 
Here  new  patent  rifles  from  near  and  from  far 
Disclosed  the  latest  improvements  in  war. 
All  sorts  of  vessels  for  fight  were  displayed. 
The  Malayan  war  junk,  for  piracy  made, 
'J'he  frigate,  with  rows  of  black  guns  gaping  wich^. 
And  the  iron-ribbed  Monitor's  steel  plated  side. 

On  the  long  lofty  walls  of  the  building,  were  hung 
Scenes  of  strife,  from  the  day  that  our  planet  was  young. 
To  the  hour,  when  mankind,  by  one  solemn  vow. 
Were  pledged  no  longer  such  crimes  to  allow. 
"Twas  a  sickening  sight — like  demons  from  hell. 
Glared  the  eyes  of  the  wounded  and  <lying  wlm  fell. 
Trampled  down  in  hot  haste,  like  the  mire  in  tlie  street, 
I'nregarded  or  spurned  by  the  wayfarers'  feet. 
Above,  the  dun  war-clouds  their  canopy  drew. 
And  with  horror  T  shrunk  from  the  terrible  view. 
Weeping  much  that  man.  made  in  likeness  divine, 
'I'o  conflict  and  bloi^lshed  shoidd  ever  incline. 


lO 


But,  as  g-leunis  of  bright  silver  will  oft  line  a  elotid 
(Jold,  dismal  and  black  as  a  funeral  shroud, 
So.  high  o'er  the  red  tide  of  battle,  a  scroll 
Inscribed  by  an  angel-hand,  seemed  to  unroll  : 
"The  work  of  the  just  and  the  righteous  is  peace — 
Its  effect,  rest  and  surety  that  never  shall  cease." 

Light  breaking  again  in  my  sorrowful  heart, 
With  more  cheerful  feelings  1  rose  to  depart. 
But  again  was  amazed,  more  relics  to  find 
Of  the  devil's  vast  power  and  rule  o'er  mankind. 
Man's  record  was  here  with  Slavery's  stains, 
Its  whips  and  its  handcuffs —its  fetters  and  chains. 
In  the  midst,  the  old  time-worn  whipping-post  stood, 
Its  platform  deep  stained  with  long  streams  of  blood, 
And  on  it  the  form  of  a  suppliant  slave 
Beseeching  for  mercy  and  aid  no  one  gave, 
•leers  and  taunts  from  the  crowd  were  the  only  reply 
And  demoniac  hate  shone  forth  from  each  eye. 
Near  by  was  an  auction,  whence  rose  the  loud  cry, 
"Likely  negroes  for  sale!  come,  gentlemen,  buy! 
Here  goes  a  mulatto,  young,  handsome  and  sound, 
Note  her  beautiful  teeth,  her  limbs  smooth  and  round, 
Mark  her  elegant  bust,  her  long  glossy  hair, 
An<l  her  ankle  that  will  with  Venus'  compare. 
Such  a  bright,  lovely  face  is  not  seen  every  day  ; 
Then  put  her  up,  gentlemen,  what  do  you  say? 
Xdt  a  thons;n:d  is  bid  ! — she  must  go  on  the  shelf; 
At  such  a  low  price  I  will  take  her  myself. 
Two  thousand  !  "down  came  the  quick  hammer,  "she's  gone. 
The  auctioneer  growled  in  a  low  sneering  tone. 
And  the  onlv  reply  was  the  slave's  subdued  groan. 
Here's  another  chance,  gentlemen — come  near  the  -;tand  ! 
A  healthy  vouul'  negress.  brought  up  by  liand, 
Her  regulai'  teeth  prove  her  yet  in  her  prime. 
While  her  well- knitted  arms  tell  of  work  in  her  time. 
She  can  cook,  wash  and  iron — pick  cc)tton  or  sew, 
And  the  twins  at  her  side,  productiveness  show. 
We  will  sell  them  together  or  singly,  as  be>;t 
\'()u  may  judge,  for  their  owner  no  choice  has  expresseil. 
ITow  niiuh  shall  I  have  for  the  mother,  alone? 


11 


'Tis  a  positive  sale  of  ilesh  and  of  hone — 

Six  hundred  is  all  that  i  hear — what  a  price ! 

You  may  double  it  safely,  is  all  my  advice. 

Seven,  eight — cheap  as  dirt !  nine,  ten,  are  you  done  ? 

A  bargain  tor  you,  sir  !  an  A.,  nunil)ei  one  ! 

And  now  for  a  boy  ;  stand  up,  you  young  dog  ! 

Don't  be  blubbering  there  like  a  water-soaked  log  ; 

Give  a  fair  l)id  at  once — right  (juick,  if  you  please, 

My  friends,  for  1  shall  not  dwell  long  upon  these  !'' 

"O  !  massa  !"'  for  mercy,  my  darling  boys  buy  ! 

("ried  tiie  wostricken  mother,  "without  them  I  die  !" 

A  tittering  laugh  was  the  sole  answer  given, 

Rut  I  knew  that  appeal  was  recorded  in  heaven. 
Again  the  sharp  ring  of  the  hammer  was  heard, 

And  with  it,  the  oath-enforced  threatening  word, 

"Tear  the  niggers  apart,  gag  the  woman'.-  black  mouth  ! 

Let  the  young  rascals  stay  while  she  goes  further  south." 

]  felt  my  blood  boil — my  arm  rising  to  deal 

One  blow  at  the  wretch,  conscience  hardened  as  steel, 

When  a  low,  gentle  voice  I  could  but  obey, 

Whispered  :  "Vengeance  is  mine — 1  the  Lord,  will  repay  !" 
Looking  upwards,  sweet  faces,  like  angels'  were  seen. 

Of  those  who  the  friends  of  the  boi.dsman  had  been. 

Once,  hated  and  scorned  by  the  proud  ones  of  earth. 

None  could  tell  in  that  day  the  amount  of  their  worth. 

'J'hey  toiled  to  remove  all  oppression  and  crime. 

With  faitii  ever  strong  in  their  mission  sublime. 

In  the  white  harvest  field,  'till  their  sands  were  all  run, 

And  the  welcome  was  heard,  "Faithful  .servant  !   well  done  !" 

Once  more,  to  another  a|KU-tuient  I  turned  ; 
My  bosom,  with  more  indignation  yet  burned. 
When  1  viewed  all  the  engines  of  torture  employed 
Under  guise  of  religion,  when  thousands  destroyed, 
Confessed  before  man  a  God  answering  prayer, 
And  died  in  the  faith  they  had  lived  to  declare. 
Here  were  thumbscrews,  racks,  pillories,  scaffolds  and  thongs — 
Here,  the  irons  oft-heated  to  bore  human  tongues, 
With  the  chains  and  the  whips  to  torment,  maim  and  slay 
Christian  sufierers  in  dungeons  remote  from  the  day. 
Tu  the  middle  arose  the  huge  liinck  corner  stone 


11 


Of  thai  builfliiig  of  Rome,  long  centuries  known, 

When  the  devil's  own  priests  loved  to  torture  and  pain, 

And  autos  de-fe  soiled  the  blue  skies  of  Spain. 

"()  !  shame  !''   I  exclaimed,  that  Satan  should  bind 

In  such  hellish  arts  the  souls  of  mankind— 

That  man,  the  object  of  Infinite  Love. 

The  crudest  foe  to  his  brother  should  prove  !"' 

••Too  true,  my  dear  sir,"  a  mild  voice  replied. 

And,  turning,  I  saw  au  old  man  at  my  side. 

Whose  silver  locks  swept  his  broad  shoulders — whose  brow 

Showed  no  furrow  or  scar  from  Time's  rugged  plow  ; 

His  eye  beaming  bright  as  in  infancy's  days, 

While  his  every  word  seemed  attuned  unto  praise. 

"Too  true  !  but  'tis  past — ail  the  horrors  of  war. 

Persecution  and  slavery,  now  are  no  more. 

This  edifice,  piled  with  mementos  of  sin, 
'I'ells  how  wicked  and  vile  former  ages  have  been, 
When,  to  deepest  abysses  of  infamy  hurled, 
They  lived  and  they  died  without  God  in  the  world. 
Hut,  thardvs  be  to  Him,  the  Father  and  Son — 
An  unending  reign  of  peace  hath  begun. 
And  the  Holy  Spirit  now  circling  the  earth. 
All  creation  is  pure  as  when  called  into  birth. 
But  few  enter  here — too  painful  the  sight — 
()thtr„scfc'ile^;^ot;'!er,9b]scta  mr  people  invite-; ; ' .   - ,     >^    - ., 
To  tio\gOod!and  conmarticr^teai  oiii' sole^ain),,' ">  ]\   ,' ,',  ", '' 
And  onr  works  prove,  as  Christians,  we  raerft  tlie  name.'  ' 
Then  mourn  net,  jny /rjend.,at  the,yi,cture  of  crime 
That  polluted  thejwpijld  ancUhe  record  of'  '^^f^^>  /' 
Up!  pilgrim  !   I  bid  thee,  Go'd'-speetf  &h  thy  wav     '  ■ 
'Till  it  lead  through  the  mists  to  perpetual  day  !" 

I  arose — deep  gratitude  filling  my  heart. 
From  such  a  wise  counsellor,  loth  to  depart. 
'■Many  thanks,"  I  rejoined,  "for  thy  true  kindness  shown  — 
Henceforth  1  will  look  on  the  i)right  side  alone. 
Farewell  !  for  thou  art  well,  thy  words  clearly  prove 
1'hongh  thy  home  be  on  earth,  thy  life  is  above  !" 

We  parted,  with  souls  in  communion  true, 
He,  to  point  out  the  past,  I  my  path  to  pursue. 
l)eep  musing  upon  the  old  things  I  had  seen. 


l:*. 


To  doubt  almost  inclined  that  such  had  e'er  been, 
But  in  grateful  emotion  that  vice,  crime  and  war 
O'er  this  our  fair  earth  should  run  riot  no  more, 
1  stood  by  the  edge  of  a  wide  and  deep  bay, 
Whose  blue  waters  mingled  with  ocean's  white  s[)ray  ; 
On  its  shore  vessels  lay  with  canvass  full  furled, 
While  others  were  fitting  to  sail  round  the  world. 
They  floated  as  light  on  the  clear  glassy  tide 
As  snow-breasted  swans  in  their  beauty  and  pride; 
Buoyed  up  by  some  new — some  magical  art, 
The  gentlest  zephyr  impelled  them  to  start, 
And  when,  leaving  purt,  the  wind  filled  each  sail, 
They  skimmed  the  wide  waters  like  leaves  in  a  gale. 
But,  far  stranger  than  these — a  wonderful  sight, 
High  above,  were  vast  air-ships,  with  pinions  as  light 
As  those  of  the  sea  bird,  that,  day  after  day. 
Unwearied,  in  solitude  wings  its  long  way. 
Bright  streamers  on  every  side  gracefully  swayed, 
Now  tossed  high  in  air  and  now  pendent  in  shade. 
And  1  read,  as  I  stood  mid  the  gathering  crowd, 
"The  Arrow,  the  Meteor,  the  Swift  Flying  Cloud, 
The  Sunbeam,  Ware,  Northern  Light,  Iris,"  and  more, 
Moored  proudly  above  that  dense  peopled  shore.'" 
"Twas  a  glorious  sight  as  they  swung  in  the  air, 
lni;pa*:i.enf,.,as  ''t^«'er€i,  their, buToen  to  bear-, 
AnJj'  Lemp^ed^,  l.Sitepped  up  a  spii-a'  stnirwiy, 
A  short  flying  visit  to  Europe  to  pay. 
Rung  the  noi;e  o,f  <?.epart'i'!'e-.-outspre?,d  thfr  hugp  wings. 
And  we  i'pse<  s\>  tu,spe*k,.o,'er  tert!estii.'-l.tl,in<;s. 
Fainter  came  from  the  crowd  eacii  last  parting  cheer. 
'Till  in  one  confused  hum,  they  were  lost  to  the  ear. 
Faded  then  from  the  sight  the  houses  and  trees 
As  we  went  higher  up,  swept  along  by  the  breeze. 
And  the  land  and  the  sea  far  below  in  mist  lay, 
'Till  we  lost  sight  of  mountain,  rock,  river  and  bay. 
And  now  as  the  twilight  still  deepened  to  night, 
O'erhead  hhone  the  ?tars  in  a  full  blaze  of  light. 
And  the  broad  calm  expanse  of  ocean  below 
We  saw  like  another  bright  galaxy  glow. 
So  fair  was  the  scene,  I  asked  one  near  by, 


14 


'"Do  tpitipests  ne'er  hlow  or  clouds  darken  ynur  sky  ?" 
''No  !   no  !   my  good  friend,  by  Omniscient  4o'^*j^ 
From  storm,  fire  and  flood,  earth  forever  is  'Hf-^^i^v 
The  elements  now  are  propitious  to  man,  ^  ^  '  a, 

And  nothini^  now  mars  a  wise  Deity's  plan.  ^f 

The  vvinds  are  not  fickle  nor  faithless  the  deep,        /^  f^ 
For  He,  who  hatii  promised,  His  sure  word  will  kee[5fe  ^^^^ 

For  many  an  hour  I  gazed  at  the  sky,  ^  _  ^kM 

Unwilling  to  shut  from  such  splendor  tny  eye,  ^^5 'C 

'Till,  tired  at  the  thought  of  infinite  space,  ^ 

I  sough;,  in  the  cabin,  a  calm  resting  place. 
It  was  filled  with  guests  from  every  land, 
From  cold  Labrador  to  Afric's  hot  sand — 
The  Chinaman,  Hindoo.  Turk,  Arab  and  Jew, 
Men  in  fact,  from  all  parts  of  the  old  world  and  new. 
The  light  that  illumed  the  spacious  saloon 
Was  as  white  and  as  clear  as  the  midsummer  moon  ; 
"Twas  the  pure  beam  galvanic,  soft,  steady  and  free 
From  all  noxious  fumes  that  with  health  disagree. 
And  1  heard  that  the  engine  that  moved  our  light  bark 
Was  the  same  that  gave  out  the  bright  flashing  spark  ; 
That  no  oil  was  now  used,  nor  explosive  compound, 
On  earth,  among  all  the  nations  was  found. 
And  light,  heat  and  motion  at  last  were  attained, 
Bv  one  simple  and  practical  instrument  gained. 
The  sides  of  that  noble  apartment  were  dressed 
With  gems  of  rare  art  from  the  east  and  the  west  ; 
Here  a  statue  stood  poised,  just  ready  to  fly. 
There,  a  picture  of  Saturn's  new  belt  caught  the  eye, 
And  one  thing  I  noticed — or  fiction,  or  fact, 
The  good  of  mankind  prompted  every  act — 
Nay,  the  converse  of  all,  whether  light,  grave  or  gav, 
Was  marred  by  no  folly,  whate'er  men  might  say. 

But  the  bell  sounded  one— I  entered  my  berth. 
To  rest  in  mid  air,  safe  as  on  the  firm  earth. 
And  all  the  night  long  heard  the  quivering  beat 
Of  the  wings  in  their  slow  and  measured  repeat. 

'•Up  !  sunrise  is  reddening  the  earth  and  the  sky  !"" 
Cried  the  voice  of  some  one,  without  waiting  reply. 
And  I  sprang  from  my  conch  to  watch  the  long  gleam 


15 


'^ 


Tip  our  beautiful  |ioniu)n  with  inoraing's  iirst  hcam. 

It  came  and  it  bathed  in  warm  rosy  hue 

The  vessel,  as  faster  through  lio;ht  mists  il  flew, 

Till  we  thought  of  that  word  that  once  echoed  sublime. 

''Lifht !  be!"  and  Day  markeil  the  divisions  of  time. 

Thus  we  winged  our  swift  course  through  the  cool  u})|)er  air 

Now  meeting  a  ship  in  the  atmosphere  rare, 

Now  skimming  above  the  blue  boundless  deep 

With  its  waves  by  warm  zephyrs  lulled  softly  to  sleep. 

At  last  a  gray  cloud  seemed  lo  rise  in  the  north  ; 

It  neared  us — and  soon  the  glad  sea  cry  went  forth. 

'•Land  !   ho  !   'tis  old  P^ngland — her  white  cliffs  arise  !" 

And  we  crowd  to  the  front  in  joy  aiid  surprise. 

There  it  lay,  in  green  beauty,  but  not  as  of  yore, 

With  its  forts  and  its  cannon  bristling  the  shore  ; 

All  hushed  were  the  thunders  that  rolled  o'er  the  land 

And  no  vessels  of  war  polhite<l  her  strand. 

We  stopped  just  above  the  world-renowned  mart 

Of  London,  where  science,  wealth,  learning  and  art, 

The  treasures  of  ages,  in  countless  store  lay. 

Reserved  "till  the  dawn  of  a  happier  day. 

Then,  softly  descending,  we  stepped  on  firm  ground 

To  view  the  new  objects  and  people  around. 

The  u-rim  Tower  rose  before  ns — we  entered  the  gate. 

Unguarded,  as  once  by  stern  orders  of  state, 

For  the  jewels  that  in  the  rich  diadems  shone, 

Xo  longer  could  tempt  one  to  take  for  his  own. 

Exposed  on  all  sides,  were  rich  scepters  of  kings, 

Tiaras,  pearls,  o-ems  and  a  thousand  bright  things, 

Once  prized  as  the  emblems  of  place  and  of  power. 

But  now  thought  mere  childish  toys  of  the  hour. 

The  vestments  of  royalty  too  were  displayed. 

Silk,  satin,  chenille,  velvet,  plush  and  brocade, 

With  exquisite  work  of  silver  and  gold. 

In  fine  threads  that  shone  on  each  rich  wavy  fold. 

And  I  heard  with  surprise  an  attendant  confess, 

'Twas  the  work  of  long  years  to  complete  a  court  dress. 

"What  folly  !  "1  cried,  "to  deck  the  outside 

With  garments  to  flatter  and  foster  one's  pride. 

While  the  soul,  the  true  being,  of  measureless  worth. 


Is  less  prized  and  less  cared  for  than  mean  thiii^'-s  of  earth," 
"Where  uow  are  the  lions,  "I  asked,  "once  confined, 

Brute  prisoners,  to  show  the  power  of  mankind  ?" 

"0  !  their  nature  was  changed  and  unchained  now  they  roam, 

To  find  in  the  wide  world,  food,  shelter  and  home. 

The  curse  that  on  Adam  in  Paradise  tell, 

Scatlerino'  seeds  of  hate,  desolation  and  hell, 

Is  now  gone  forever — no  wild  beasts  abound, 

And  at  last  in  his  works  God's  true  image  is  found." 
Looking  down  on  the  river,  I  marked  its  calm  face 

Half  hid  by  white  sails  from  every  place, 

The  strange  looking  junk  from  distant  Japan, 

Unchanged  in  its  form  since  the  empire  began, 

The  light  buoyant  bark  of  more  modern  time, 

Adapted  for  use  in  every  clime, 

The  swift  gliding  steamer  with  paddle  or  screw. 

The  frigate,  no  longer  exposing  to  view 

Its  port-holes  whence  issued  the  missiles  of  war— 

For  strife,  hate  and  conflict  existed  no  more. 

A  hundred  bright  Hags  were  floating  in  air, 

l']afh,  the  name  of  some  country  or  race  to  declare; 

Not,  as  once,  the  proud  banner  to  wave  in  the  fight. 

The  theme  of  the  poet — the  warrior's  delight, 

Hut  the  emblem  of  peace  and  of  love  among  men 

Long  ago  sung  by  angels  on  Bethlehem's  plain. 

'Twas  a  glorious  sight — -but  I  could  not  delay  ; 

So,  descending  the  'J'ovvsr,  swiftly  passed  on  my  way. 
All  the  streets  seemed  alive  with  a  slow-moving  throng, 

Hut  n<i  jostling  was  known  as  they  travelled  along  ; 

Kvery  one  knew  another,  each  face  bi>atned  with  joy 

And  nought  was  heard,  seen,  or  felt  to  annoy. 

The  streets  and  the  |)avements  were  so  smoothly  laid, 

For  safety  and  ease,  both  for  man  and  beast  made, 

That  one  might  walk  on  from  morning  till  iiiglil. 

I'nfatigued,  to  enjoy  each  varying  sight, 

A  thousand  wide  stores  were  thrown  open  to  view. 

Piled  with  goods  whose  nse  our  fathers  ne'er  knew. 

There  were  garnuMits  for  all.  without  stitch  or  seam, 

Ilobes  dyed  as  in  colors  of  sunset's  rich  beam, 

Wings  on  frames.  1o  be  used  on  the  oarili  cv  in  air. 


17 


With  speed  on  his  journey  t!ie  pilgrim  to  heur  : 

But  time  will  not  allow  me  the  list  to  rehearse 

Of  all  these  strange  sights,  in  this  fugitive  verse  ; 

Suffice  it  to  say,  every  thing  that  I  saw 

Was  strictly  conformed  to  one  excellent  law 

That  forbade  all  mankind  to  make  or  to  use 

Any  goods  that  a  Christian  would  ever  refuse. 

No  trimmings  nor  ribbons  hung  flying  around, 

No  vile  trashy  novels  on  book  shelves  were  found, 

Xo  flaring,  gay  posters  announced  some  boUl  lie 

Made  only  to  catch  the  gaping  crowd's  eye. 

Xo  cards  in  the  witidows  svere  seen  to  declare 

That  the  cheapest  and  best  in  the  world  were  sold  there  ; 

Xo  drinking  saloons  stared  full  in  one's  face, 

Xo  cDuipounders  of  licjuors  were  seen  in  the  place; 

They  had  all  gone  below  with  the  spirits  accursed. 

Of  all  Satan's  agents  the  vilest  and  worst. 

Tobacco  was  none — no  smoker's  breath  there 

Ai\noyed  the  nice  sense  or  corrupted  the  air. 

Surprised  at  tlie  fact,  "How  is  this?  I  enquired. 

When  a  patriarch  near  me,  in  pure  white  attired. 

Replied,  'Ts  it  true  that  one  being  on  earth 

Knows  not  that  the  world  was  reformed  in  new  birth  ! 

I  have  heard,  when  a  boy,  my  grandsire  aflSrm 

That  the  plant  in  one  night  was  destroyed  by  a  worm, 

And  never  since  then,  half  a  century  ago, 

Has  any  one  seen  it  or  known  it  lo  grow  ; 

The  panic  from  pole  to  eijuaior  was  great 

As  any  past  earthqu  ike  was  known  to  create, 

And  some  ventured  to  say  that  thousands  indeed 

Would  die  for  the  want  of  their  favorite  weed. 

But  the  prophecy  failed — fiom  disuse  followed  health, 

Purer  lives,  better  mcn-als  and  wisdom  and  wealtii. 

"And  where  are  the  dram  shops — the  houses  for  dance. 
Where,  heated  by  wine  and  lost  as  in  trance, 
Full  many  a  maiden  drank,  stumbled  and  fell, 
(Once  pure  as  a  snow-Hake)  from  heaven  to  hell." 
''Alas  !   my  dear  friend,  how  little  you  know 
Of  the  great  revolution  the  world  now  can  show. 
When  mankind  o'er  the  globe  acknowledged  the  sway 


IS 


Of  the  great  King  of  kings  all  are  bound  to  obey. 

All  sill  disappeared  ;  lust,  passion  and  crime 

No  longer  defiled  the  annals  of  Time  ; 

None  dared  to  entice  his  weak  brother  to  wrong, 

None  wished  to  provoke  or  by  action  or  tongue, 

None,  the  health  or  the  comfort  of  one  living  soul 

For  a  moment  would  wish  to  restrain  or  control. 

And  with  feelings  like  these,  who,  the  heavens  below. 

Could  continue  a  trade  fraught  with  ruin  and  wo  ! 

No!  no!  pure  religion  can  never  annoy 

The  peace  of  mankind  or  their  good-will  destroy. 

For  if  God,  as  his  works  clearly  argue,  be  love, 

Whose  dwelleth  in  Him  shall  his  follower  prove. 

Every  thing  that  the  soul  of  man  can  defile. 

Is  purged  from  the  earth  by  Deity's  smile, 

Who  hath  cleansed  the  whole  world,  through  his  only  Son's  blood, 

And  seen,  as  in  Paradise,  all  his  works  good." 

"Oeliiihtful  !'"  I  cried,  "that  all  evil  hath  ceased, 
And  man  from  the  thraldom  of  sin  is  released  ; 
Who  e'er  would  have  dared,  amid  doubts  and  fears 
To  predict  such  a  change  in  the  past  hundred  vears?" 

We  parted,  and,  entering  a  new  city  car 
On  polished  rails  sliding,  without  noise  or  jar, 
I  was  soon  the  rich  and  green  pastures  aniong. 
In  history  famed  and  by  poets  long  sung 
Lovely  hamlets  and  villages  dotted  each  vale, 
While  the  siveet  breath  of  wild  flowers  scented  the  gale. 
The  vine  clung  to  the  roof  with  its  clusters  of  fruit, 
The  fig,  fearless  of  winter,  expanded  each  shoot, 
And  the  bright  golden  orange  gleamed  through  the  dark  leaves 
Where  the  robin  her  nest  built  beneath  the  low   eaves, 
I  looked,  but  could  see  no  idler  there. 
Sounds  of  labor  alone  arose  on  the  air, 
Each  his  neighbor  would  aid  if  his  own  part  wert'  done, 
l<\-om  day's  early  dawn  to  the  set  of  the  sun, 
As  a  bee  hive,  the  land  seemed  with  people  alive. 
And  all  nature  in  peace  and  in  plenty  to  thrive  ; 
By  the  wayside  stood  rows  of  wide  spreading  trees 
Whose  yield  or  whose  shade  could  refresh  or  could  please. 
For  one  law  reigned  o'er  all  — each,  with  Christian  regard. 


lO 


Souglit  his  neighbor's  heSt  good  as  his  own  rich  reward. 
I  looked  fur  llie  buildings  benevolence  reared  — 
'J'here  were  none,  for  the  paupers  had  all  disappeared  ; 
No  blind,  sick,  deaf,  lame,  or  feeble  of  mind. 
In  all  my  wide  wanderings  ou  eartii  could  1  find. 
The  homes  for  the  friendless,  deserted  or  poor, 
Vainly  hoped  by  their  founders,  all  time  to  endure, 
Were  devoted  to  Science,  not  blind,  as  of  oi<l, 
When  Alchemy  sought  to  turn  dross  into  jjold. 
Hut  certain  and  true,  illumed  from  ou  high. 
To  the  pure  Fount  of  light  ever  turning  her  eye. 
There  were  school  rooms,  lyceums  and  vast  lecture  halls 
With  all  treasures  of  'J'ime,  densely  filling  the  walls. 
While  professors  of  every  known  science  and  art. 
Sought  the  mind  to  inform  or  to  lead  the  young  lit-arl. 

The  long  rows  of  workshops  for  artisans  made, 
Xo  longer  their  low.  dusty  windows  displayed. 
Where  faint,  toil-worn  hundreds  met  sickness  and  death 
1m  the  close  stitliug  air,  corrupted  by  breat!;  ; 
Hut  sunlight  enlivened  each  lofty-walled  room 
And  each  rounded  cheek  showed  fresiiness  and  l^iooni. 
The  master  was  ever  the  workers  among. 
Their  health  to  secure — not  their  labors  prolong. 
No  law  was  required — as  a  Christian,  he  knew 
He  to  others  should  act  as  he  wished  them  to  do. 
Xo  poisonous  gas  was  floating  in  air 
Sowing  germs  of  disease  and  of  death  everywhere, 
For  the  vapors  evolved,  by  chemical  skill 
Were  innocuous  made,  other  ends  to  I'liHil. 
Tiie  men  who  long  delved  in  the  deep  gloomy  mine. 
Mid'  the  fire-damp,  allowed  their  bright  lanterns  to  shine  ; 
As  the  light  they  now  used  created  no  heat, 
"  Twere  idle  to  think  any  danger  to  meet, 
And  the  air,  so  mephitic  of  old  time,  became 
As  oxygen  pure,  when  it  met  the  soft  flame. 

lloamed  th^  deer  through  the  streets  of  the  populnus  town. 
Not  now  with  swift  steeds  and  fierce  dogs  hunted  down. 
The  tox  and  the  hare  lived  in  the  same  den 
On  iutimale  terms,  unmolested  by  men, 
Fverv  bcasi,  l)ird  or  fish,  by  night  and  by  day. 


•H  > 


No  longer  regarded  each  otlier  ils  prev, 

But,  protected  by  man,  to  his  friendship  proved  true, 

And  love  bound  ail  creatures  in  league  ever  new. 

Nought  was  seen,  uought  was  heard  i)ut  iriadness  and  praise 

For  the  blessings  that  crowned  those  bright  halcyon  days, 

And  even  'roni  l']rin  thanksgiving  was  lieard, 

'Till  the  gray  crags  of  Scotland  with  echoes  were  stirred, 

I  returned  to  the  sea  where  the  white  cliffs  arose 
As  landmarks  to  show  how  the  tide  ebbs  and  tiows  ; 

"Adieu  to  Old  England  !  exulting,  I  cried, 
Where  order,  peace,  love  and  religion  al)ide  ! 
Of  the  nations  who  spent  l)lood  and  treasure  in  war, 
She.  who  once  was  the  first,  ambitious  no  more, 
Now  sends  forth  her  people  to  each  distant  land 
To  teach  and  to  preach  at  the  Saviour's  command  !" 

As  I  gazed  o'er  the  deep,  entranced  at  the  view. 
Not  a  vapor  or  cloud  dimmed  the  lair  boundless  blue. 
At  my  feet  the  waves  with  joy  seemed  to  dance 
Through  the  piers  of  an  air-tube,  the  high  road  to  France, 
And,  lying  at  ease  on  a  rich  velvet  bed, 
Impelled  like  an  arrow,  in  safety  I  sped 
( )"er  the  channel  that  washes  each  bold  rocky  shore. 
h'irst  united — then  severed — -but  now  linked  once  more. 

i'he  manners  of  every  one  caused  such  surprise, 
Unprepared  as  I  was,  I  could  scarce  trust  my  eyes. 
The  butterfly  airs  and  the  light  lively  tone 
Hy  which,  time  out  of  mind,  the  I''renchman  was  known. 
Had  been  clianged  to  a  sober  yet  cheerful  aildress 
Marked  with  smiles  and  true  dignity,  tew  can  express. 
I'lvery  look,  every  gesture  evince<l  that  they  knew 
That  courtesy  based  on  religion  is  true. 

All  frivolity  gone — vain  amusements  forgot. 
I  found  not  in  city  or  country  one  spot, 
Wliere  an  opera,  ballroom  or  theatre  stood 
To  arouse  evil  thoughts  or  to  stifle  the  good. 
The  Sabbath,  profaned  for  long  centuries  [last, 
Was  observed,  not  by  sorrowful  penance  or  last, 
l?ut  the  nation  obeyed  the  divine  command  given. 
To  rest  and  to  worship  one  d.ay  in  seven. 
The  gay  gai'diMis  and  ])alaces,  open  of  yore 


•>1 


Wliere  drinkers  iiinl  dancers  by  turns  trod  the  Hoor, 

Were  thronged  by  a  multitude  ever  inclined 

To  read  or  to  hear  what  would  prulit  tiic  mind. 

No  imperial  rule  forced  each  class  to  ol)ey, 

No  autocrat,  kincr  or  dictator  held  sway, 

A  firm  free  Republic  framed  lonjr  time  a<ro. 

Proved  populai  still,  as  Time's  chronicles  show. 

No  soldier  police  stood  guard  to  iletect. 

Arrest  or  confine — there  was  none  to  suspect. 

Throughout  the  wide  land  not  a  murmur  was  heard. 

No  quarrel  was  known — none  spake  an  ill  word. 

And  I  thought,  as  I  travelled  through  country  or  town, 

"Twas  as  if  heaven  itself,  to  earth  had  come  down. 

We  passed  on  the  rail,  swift  as  birds  cleave  the  air. 
Vales  dotted  with  villages — mountain  peaks  bare. 
But  tinged  in  the  sunlight  with  soft  golden  hue, 
For  many  a  league  'till  the  Alps  met  our  view. 
There  they  stood — their  proud  forms  towering  up  in  the  sky 
But  nc  traces  of  glaciers  or  snow,  met  the  eye  ; 
Since  the  time  all  mankind  had  known  the  new  birth, 
One  perpetual  spring  had  encircled  the  earth. 
Cold,  heat,  frost,  .storm  and  ice  were  unknown  ; 
No  earthquakes  now  rumbled  beneath  each  broad  zone  ; 
Volcanoes  were  none — their  fires  were  decayed, 
And  cities  no  longer  in  ruins  were  laid. 
As  the  .slopes  of  Italian  vales  caught  the  si.'ht. 
Every  glance  at  the  scene  called  forth  new  delight. 
The  sunembrowned  peasants  in  vineyard  or  field 
Were  tilling  each  crop  or  gathering  the  yield. 
Rich  clambering  vines  o'er  the  road  threw  their  shad^. 
The  tropic  banana  its  broad  leaf  <lisplayed, 
While  the  palm,  like  a  monarch  with  sceptre  and  cmwii. 
O'er  the  lowlier  trees  of  the  forest  looked  down. 
The  olive,  the  fig  and  the  pomegranate  there 
Repaid  in  abundance  the  laborer's  care. 
And  the  mingled  perfume  of  a  thousand  sweet  Howers, 
J^ike  incense  arose  from  the  thick  orange  bowers. 

But  the  train  still  sped  on,  and  now  in  the  haze 
That  purpled  the  hills  in  the  sun's  level  rays, 
The  columns  and  lemples  of  Rome  rose  in  view. 


Spires,  domes  iiiul  palaces,  ancient  and  now. 

We  entered  where  once  the  chariots  rolled 

To  the  vast  Coliseum,  when  centuries  ohl 

Saw  the  sandy  arena  clotted  with  ^or«^, 

While  above  the  death  tjroan  rung  the  lion's  wild  roar. 

No  longer  the  massive  walls  crumbled  and  Cell, 

Its  decay  and  its  ruin  for  ages  to  tell  ; 

'i'he  huge  pile  was  now  used  for  a  far  higher  aim 

Thiin  the  praise  of  a  pagan  emperor's    name. 

Rebuilt  and  remodelled,  it  rung  with  the  cry, 

"Our  Lord,  GOD  omnipotent  reigneth  on  high  !" 

To  the  city  tlien  hastening,  I  marked  witii  surprise, 
No  Romish  processions  attracted  all  eyes, 
No  beggars,  the  pest  of  the  traveller,  were  seen, 
No  long  lines  of  priests  with  crosses  between, 
No  nuns  in  black  robes  paraded  the  street, 
No  close-shaven  uioidis  with  bare  head  and  feet. 
The  poverty,  dirt  and  all  the  vile  trade 
That  beggary  everywhere  brings  to  its  aid. 
Ivxisted  no  more  in  that  land  once  debased, 
(Their  name  and  remembrance  forever  effaced.) 
Kach  dark  piercing  eye  with  a  purer  ligiit  slione, 
Passion,  anger  and  feuds  were  entirely  unknown. 
And  the  love,  the  apostle  once  preached,  by  (lod's  grace, 
Inspired  every  heart  and  lit  u|)  each  face. 

Soon  we  neared  the  vast — the  magnificent  slirine. 
Where  once  to  base  man  was  pai<l  homage  divine  ; 
'i'he  noble  proud  dome  named  St.  Peter's  of  old. 
In  the  warm  sunset  gleaming  resplendent  as  gold. 
N(j  cross  now  sui'mounted  the  dizzying  height, 
A  star  hung  above  it,  as  pure  and  as  briglit 
As  the  one  that  once  stood  o'er  the  manger  and  betl 
Where  the  Saviour  of  sinners  first  rested  his  head. 
I  entered  the  courts,  for  hundreds  of  years 
Trod  by  the  pilgrims  deluded,  in  sorrow  and  tears, 
Where  thousands  knelt  l)owing  to  image  or  cross. 
More  than  true  worship  lovir.g  the  world  and  its  dross. 
No  crucifi.\  now  was  lifted  on  high, 
Xo  priest  callccl  for  penance  from  crowds  passing  bv, 
.Xd  I'nrm  carved. in  ivorv,  wood,  brass  or  stone. 


•>:{ 


Mofkcil  the  Iniits  that  hclnii;^'  to  tlu-  Ciodlicai!  aldnf. 
No  .sensuous  pictures  of  Virjjiii  anil  child 
Pleased  the  mass,  to  false  adoration  beguiU'd. 
A  light,  clear  and  holy,  words  cannot  express. 
Pervaded  the  spot  and  illumined  each  recess, 
As  the  hosts  of  the  faithful  from  every  land, 
Admired  the  change  wrought  by  Almighty  command, 
In  thai  temple  where  infancy,  manhood  and  youth 
Worshipped  God,  their  Creator,  in  spirit  and  truth. 

'•Does  the  Pope,"  I  enquired."  in  the  \'atican  live, 
And  the  people  yet  think  he  their  sins  can  forgive  ?" 
•'Oh  !   no  !"  said  a  gray-haired  idd  man  at  my  side. 
"Many  years  have  elapsed  since  the  last  Pontiff  died. 
On  a  far  distant  shore,  exiled,  pining  he  lay, 
His  soul  lilled  with  remorse  at  the  thought  ol   that  day, 
When  he  claimed,  in  his  pride,  God's  vicegerent  to  he. 
Receiving  vile  homage  of  lip  and  of  knee. 
Of  all  the  long  line  of  the  popes,  there  was  none 
Save  he,  who  confessed  to  his  Saviour  alone; 
Yet,  through  mercy  <livine,  his  own  sins  forgiven. 
His  purified  .soul  passed  from  earth  into  iieaven. 
This  house,  once  the  scene  of  debauch  and  of  crime, 
Where  blasphemy  reigned  supreme  at  one  time. 
Now,  sacred  to  worship,  pure,  heart-felt  and  true. 
Is  blest  with  a  Presence  old  ages  ne'er  knew. 
Here  the  gospel  is  preached,  nndefiled  as  of  yore, 
By  Science,  so  called,  to  false  doctrines  the  door, 
For  the  Scriptures,  first  penned  tiw-  lh«  comniri  of  men. 
Are  read  l)y  the  light  of  the  Spirit  again." 
"Do  the  people  to  image  or  crucifix  bow. 
Or  the  priests  for  all  crimes  absolution  allow  ?" 
"From  your  question,  my  friend,  I  judge  that  yon  came 
From  some  other  planet,  unknown  yet  by  name. 
Or  perhaps  may  have  slumbered,  unconscious  of  tim.% 
While  the  world  was  restored  in  its  innocent  prime. 
Come  then  to  the  halls  where  Science  combined, 
With  truth  and  religion  enlighten  the  mind. 
Where  genius,  art  and  sound  rsason  are  found, 
And  errors  of  schoolmen  no  longer  abound. 
Superstition  has  fled,  like  the  mists  of  the  night. 


•U 


Dispersed  when  the  sun  comos  in  glorious  light. 

Rome,  once  the  foul  den  of  crime,  lust  and  sin, 

Is  purged  from  all  evil,  her  precincts  within, 

Remain  then  and  see  what  treasures  untold 

They  who  witness  Messiah's  blest  advent,  behold.' 

"Time  presses,"  I  said,  "in  an  hour  1  must  start 

In  an  ocean-bound  steamer,  ready  to  part. 

Thanks  for  all  I  have  seen  and  have  heard  thee  declare  ; 

And  now,  to  the  New  World,  glad  tidings  I  bear, 

That  the  kingdoms  of  earth  all  acknowledge  the  Lord, 

Redeemed  and  restored  by  his  life-giving  word. 

We  parted — then  taking  some  newly-formed  shoes, 

For  swift  and  sure  travel  on  water  to  use, 

I  passed  down  the  Tiber — not  yellow  as  when 

Its  stained  turbid  wave,  washed  valley  and  glen. 

But  sparkling,  fresh,  clear  and  pure  as  the  dew 

That  on  every  spray  reflects  heaven's  own  blue. 

White  villas,  temples  and  towns  lined  the  shore. 

And  the  gondolier  sung,  as  he  dipped  his  light  oar, 

While  the  hills  echoed  back  the  sweet  solemn  hymn, 

From  morning's  first  dawn, 'till  the  daylight  grew  dim. 

With  long  rapid  strides  o'er  the  waters  I  sped 

And  distanced  the  sea-gulls  that  flew  o'er  my  head  ; 

.Soon  the  wide  river  entered  a  rich,  grassy  plain 

Where  its  fresh  waters  mingled  with  those  of  the  main. 

There,  lay  the  fair  vessel  with  quivering  wings 

liike  a  bird  on  the  tree-top  that  flutters  and  sings. 

Just  ready  to  soar  through  the  measureless  sky. 

O'er  mead,  hill  and  vale,  and  precipice  high. 

The  clarion  rung — we  left  Italy's  shore, 

And  the  old  classic  sea  were  fast  flying  o'er ; 

In  a  day  we  touched  Cadiz — that  bold  rocky  height 

Where  the  guns  of  Gibraltar  once  blazed  in  the  fight, 

But  now  streaming  with  flags  from  every  clime. 

In  token  that  Peace  held  dominion  sublime. 

"Twas  dusk — a  brilliant  red  rocket  flew  high 

O'er  the  vertical  wall  far  up  in  the  sky, 

While  another  swept  down  in  the  ocean  below 

And  lingered  long  after  in  roseate  glow. 

The  jiarting  salute,  with  cheer  upon  cheer. 


Was  answered,  'lill  sound  died  away  on  tlic  oar, 

And  nothin<^  was  heard  l)ut  the  inurnuiriiiti  deep 

Of  the  wings'  measured  stroke  inviting  to  sleep. 

We  <(lided  as  swil't  on  tlie  ocean's  expanse 

As  the  leaves  that  in  the  wild  hurricane  dance. 

The  sea  glowed  with  fire  from  creature-i  unknown, 

brighter  far  than  the  stars  in  the  zenith  they  shone. 

And  myriad  flocks  of  strange  sea  Ijirds  lay 

On  the  face  of  the  deep,  awaiting  the  day. 

No  moon  rose  that  nighl,  but  e're  twilight  was  gone. 

The  sky  seemed  to  glow  with  a  rich  northern  dawn, 

And  not  'till  our  flag  in  the  morning  breeze  swayed. 

Did  its  soft  lambent  light  from  the  firmament  fade. 

Thus  for  three  days  and  nights  we  skimmed  the  blue  main, 

Now  watching  the  air  ships  again  and  again, 

Now  noting  far  down  in  the  green,  glas.sy  brine, — 

Iron  ves.sels  with  lins — a  submarine  line, 

Propelled  by  galvanic  action  alone, 

And  made  to  explore  ocean's  chambers  unknown. 

Meantime  I  conversed  with  some  that  I  knew 
Came  from  far  distant  climes,  new  wonders  to  view, 
Of  the  change  wrought  on  earth  since  the  era  began 
W^hen  Christ  reiLmed  supreme,  acknowledged  by  man. 
No  pen  could  describe  nor  could  language  declare 
Tho  glory  His  saints  were  permitted  to  share. 
When  the  devil  and  all  his  foul  works  were  destroyed. 
And  happiness  dwelt  in  each  heart  unalloyed. 

"But  how,"  I  inquired,  "was  the  old  world  renewed  ? 
In  a  day  by  Oymiscient  fiat  made  good  ? 
Or  purged  in  long  years  from  sin  and  its  leaven, 
'Till  (lod  saw  on  its  bosom  the  image  of  heaven  ?" 
"As  a  thief  in  the  night  breaks  in  unaware, 
So  flashed  on  the  earth,  mid  its  pleasure  and  care, 
A  splendor  surpassing  tho  sun's  noontide  ray 
Foretelling  the  dawn  of  millenial  day. 
Attended  by  thousands  of  saints  came  the  Lord, 
To  bless  his  redeemed  and  to  drive  the  abhorred. 
As  erst  he  once  drove  the  angels  that  fell 
From  allegiance,  down  from  high  heaven  to  hell. 
But  'till  then,  incrensed  both  evil  and  good. 


30 


As  men  a  fuise  pliaiitniii  or  true  poiicc!  [Mirsnod.     ■    ^%4 
Tlioiigli  tales  o(  new  crime  thrilleil  the  ear  and  tliei      ' 


Tlie  spirit  of  prayer  seemed  its  power  to  eonlroi  ;      v  ^ ^'k> 
With  shouts  of  thanksg-iviiig  and  praises  a;,'-ain  "^ 


Reform  spread,  as  years  rolled  rapidly  by,  '^ 

And  at  last  from  all  races  beneath  every  skv.  ▼    A 


»T  It  II    .^luMii,.-)   \t\     I  i.fiiii\o^  I V  1 11^    aiiu    pi  (ii.ir.-)  ti^iini  ^j    ^r  jw 

Earth  echoed  the  cry,  "Alleluia  !   Amen  !"  'tM^ff^A 

But  the  soft  evenino;  wind  that  our  li^'ht  liark  swept  o'er,   ^  ^~^ 

Flower-scented,  announced  we  were  Hearing  the  shore,  ^ 

And  ere  night's  somber  curtain  had  veiled  the  red  sky. 

The  glare  of  bright  lamps  arrested  the  eye. 

'Twas  a  populous  city  of  wealth  ami  of  fame, 

Filled  with  thousands  of  every  class,  country  and  name. 

I  passed  through  the  streets — no  tumult  was  thei-e, 

No  low  profane  words  polluted  the  air. 

No  theatre  belched  out  at  midni'iht  a  throng 

Inflamed  with  drugged  wine  and  lascivious  song  ; 

All  was  peaceful  and  still,  as  a  calm  Sabbath  day. 

For  man  was  no  more  to  his  brother  a  prey. 

Each  dwelling  I  entered  revealed  the  true  sign 

Ol'  Christian  communion — the  Presence  Divine, 

For  they  in  whose  souls  His  graces  abide, 

In  each  other's  friendship  forever  confide. 

Fatigued  with  my  journey — deprived  ol   my  rest, 

Long  time  I  remained  in  that  city  a  guest. 

Pondering  deeply  on  all  I  had  seen  and  had  heard 

'Till  my  soul  from  its  deepest  recesses  was  stirred. 

There  was  seen  in  all  things  such  a  marvellous  change, 

One  could  hardly  imagine  an  era  so  strange  ; 

Here  a  library  stood  with  its  wide  open  iloor, 

'J'he  clerks  and  librarian  needed  no  more. 

As  the  readers  took  works  from  their  place  on  the  shelves 

And  duly  returned  them  uninjured  themselves. 

No  comic  nor  frivolous  lectures  were  known. 

Instruction  and  knowledge  were  sought  for  alone, 

There  were  schools  for  the  infant,  the  child  and  the  aged  ; 

In  all  labors  of  love  the  fair  sex  was  engaged  ; 

No  voting  was  heard  of— no  taxes  were  paid. 

For  religion  from  government  needed  no  aid. 

Throui:hout  the  wide  world  nf»t  a  vestige  was  found 


Of  weeds  that  for  aj^es  were  loiowii  to  aliDiiml, 

Nor  a  poisonous  serpent  to  stin;r  or  annoy. 

Nor  an  insect,  the  rich  harvest  hopes  to  destrow 

The  sun,  moon  and  stars  each  in  tnrn  >jave  their  light, 

One  scorched  not  by  day,  while  the  rest  warmed  the  night 

And  nature  was  fair  as  the  garden  of  Tiod. 

The  Paradise  once  by  angel  (eet  trod. 

'•Blest  world!  "I  exclaimed,  "all  honor  and  praise 
Be  to  Him  who  now  rules  these  millenial  days!" 
With  fervor  I  spoke — raised  my  hand  towards  the  sUy, 
And  heard  the  soft  whisper  of  some  one  near  by  ; 
Then  turned    just  in  time  to  see  sunset's  last  gleam, 
Wiien  tlie  present  rushed  back,  and  lo  !   'twas  a  dream  ! 


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